Elite World News

New York—The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA) has issued a statement that condemns the violent repression of individuals, human rights and pro-democracy movements in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and asks its members to stop buying Burmese gemstones from any government sources and marketing organizations.

However, the ICA also warns against any hasty decision toward a systematic ban to trade Burmese gemstones, recommending that all parties consider the negative impact and collateral damage that indiscriminate measures could inflict upon independent and poor populations engaged in mining, processing and trading activities in Myanmar and other countries.

The ICA said it supports the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution ratified by the Security Council Presidential Statement on Oct. 11, which condemns the violence.

Although the Burmese Freedom and Democracy Act of 2003 bans the importation of products from Myanmar, a loophole created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection in 2004 allows Burmese gemstones entrance into the United States if cut and polished in a third-party country.

The ICA joins an increasing list of organizations that are vocalizing their warnings against the sale of Burmese gemstones, which includes statements from Jewelers of America, The President Council of The World Jewellery Confederation, Tiffany and Co. and Cartier.

Burmese rubies are generally considered to be among the most coveted because of their rich red colors, but major news sources have labeled the stones “blood rubies” for their role in financing the Burmese government.